Whether you are particularly into fashion or not, clothing is an essential part of our everyday lives.
So, if you’re learning Japanese, it’s important to know the most common words to talk about clothes in Japanese!
Japan is well known for its unique and innovative clothing styles, with Tokyo being regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world!
If you are headed to Japan, it’s a great opportunity to shop for good quality, interesting pieces. Of course in this digital age, online shopping for Japanese brands is also an option.
Whichever the case may be, knowing some Japanese clothing vocabulary will be a helping hand in finding your perfect outfit!
Check out the tables below to expand on your Japanese vocabulary on clothes.
Don’t be intimidated by the length of these lists, as you will notice that many of the words are written in katakana, indicating that the term is a loan word that has been borrowed from English (or another language). Easy peasy!
Note: this lesson is about basic, everyday clothing vocabulary. If you want to learn more about traditional Japanese clothing such as kimono, yukata and hakama, check this post!
Outerwear (アウター / あうたー)
Autaa (アウター / あうたー) is borrowed from its English namesake ‘outerwear’.
| English | Kanji / Katakana | Hiragana | Romaji |
| Sweater | セーター | せーたー | seetaa |
| Cardigan | カーディガン | かーでぃがん | kaadigan |
| Jacket | ジャケット | じゃけっと | jyaketto |
| Coat | コート | こーと | kooto |
| Raincoat | レインコート | れいんこーと | reinkooto |
| Blazer | ブレザー | ぶれざー | burezaa |
| Hoodie | パーカー | ぱーかー | paakaa |
| Denim jacket | デニムジャケット | でにむじゃけっと | denimu jyaketto |
| Trench coat | トレンチコート | とれんちこーと | torenchi kooto |
Tops (トップス / とっぷす)
Toppusu (トップス / とっぷす) of course comes from the English term ‘tops’, ie clothing which is worn on the top half!
| English | Kanji / Katakana | Hiragana | Romaji |
| Shirt | シャツ | しゃつ | shatsu |
| T-shirt | Tシャツ | Tシャツ | T shatsu |
| Blouse | ブラウス | ぶらうす | burausu |
| Polo shirt | ポロシャツ | ぽろしゃつ | poro shatsu |
| Vest (waistcoat) | ベスト | べすと | besuto |
| Tank top | タンクトップ | たんくとっぷ | tanku toppu |
| Camisole | キャミソール | きゃみそーる | kyamisooru |
| Jersey | ジャージー | じゃーじー | jaajii |
| Jumper / sweatshirt | スエット | すえっと | suetto |
Bottoms (ボトムス / ぼとむす)
Botomsu (ボトムス / ぼとむす) is the Japanese term for ‘bottoms’, referring to any clothing worn on our lower half.
| English | Kanji / Katakana | Hiragana | Romaji |
| Bottoms / trousers | ズボン | ずぼん | zubon |
| Jeans | ジーンズ | じーんず | jiinzu |
| Shorts | ショートパンツ | しょーとぱんつ | shooto pantsu |
| Skirt | スカート |